FREE is the best! In fantasy football, there is a limited number of drafted players available, so often free players end up waiting on waivers. Not only will some of these players be acquired early in the season, but they are often worth picking in the later rounds based on their potential if one or two things go right. Here are my top “free” (i.e. undrafted) fantasy football players for 2024 (pick 181 onwards):
Quarterback
Bo Nicks, Denver — I don’t like his passing profile much, but Nicks has two big advantages. First, I think Sean Payton drafted him and he fits his system (even though Nicks was the last quarterback in the first round). Second, and more importantly, Nicks runs, and he runs near the goal line. Adding 300-400 yards and 3-5 touchdowns rushing is a big boost. Going back to my concerns about Nicks, it comes down to a shorter passing game with more first-read play calls and plenty of screen work with the running backs. Hmm, what are the main parts of Payton’s offense? I’m not going to “forgive” Nicks’ concerns just on fit and rushing potential, but I’m willing to bet on him in fantasy.
Sam Darnold, Minnesota — Speaking of QBs who don't like the passing game…Darnold is no longer in danger of being replaced by JJ McCarthy, with Justin Jefferson as the 1st option, Jordan Addison as the 2nd option, Aaron Jones in the backfield, and TJ Hockenson as an option once he finishes rehabbing his knee. Let's not forget that Darnold likes to take his turn near the goal line as well. Let's also not forget that this offense (with Kevin O'Connell) allowed Nick Mullens to throw for 300+ yards in 3 of his 4 starts. Darnold could be a mid-to-top QB2 this year.
Running back
Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG — Devin Singletary could thrive alongside Brian Daboll, but as he has done at times in the past, he could struggle to produce and cede touches to Tracy. A dynamic running back with the ball in hand, Tracy is a converted wide receiver with good vision and explosiveness. Of course, at 24 years old and with a long college career, Tracy could fill an Antonio Gibson-like role, or even better.
Jordan Mason, SF — Mason finally looks to be easing into the 49ers offense, including improving his pass blocking. Elijah Mitchell has injury concerns and is not guaranteed to be Christian McCaffrey's backup plan in 2024. Even if Mitchell does start as that option, it's unlikely he'll last more than a few games, and Mason would be a candidate to be the RB2 as Reid — if he gets the chance. In reality, this is Shanahan's offense, and if two of the three get injured, so will Isaac Guerendt.
Dylan Laube, LV — We know Antonio Pierce's scheme is run-heavy, and while we can count on Zamir White to potentially get 20 touches per game, there's also the possibility that White could struggle in 2024. Additionally, Laube's receiving ability opens up immediate touches, especially with the Raiders struggling overall and likely relying on Gardner Minshew's passes more than Pierce would like.
Carson Steele, KC — Preseason aside, there has been talk of Steele and Denerick Prince competing for the backup spot to Isaiah Pacheco. Clyde Edwards-Haley has struggled off the field, and if Steele (or Prince) is next in line for Pacheco, he'd likely be snapped up on waivers if Pacheco gets injured.
Wide Receiver
Jalyn Polk, Nebraska — There's nothing interesting about the Patriots offense other than having Rhamondre Stevenson as a cheap RB2… unless… Drake Maye becomes the starting quarterback. Polk has the best chance, especially after what he did with Josh Downs, Antoine Green and Devonte'z Walker at North Carolina. Polk averaged 16.9 and 16.8 yards per attempt over the past two years in Washington's spread offense, and Polk has the potential to turn his 100 targets into a 60-900-50 record, but he needs May at quarterback to do that.
Roman Wilson, PIT — Wilson would have been on my team a couple of times if he hadn't been injured. Let's not forget that Mike Tomlin put Wilson against Quinion Mitchell in practice for the Senior Bowl because 1) Wilson was beating everyone else and 2) Tomlin wanted to test him. Then Tomlin drafted Wilson and the Steelers are still struggling to find a second choice. Right now, that second choice is Van Jefferson. If Wilson is 100% and up to NFL speed, don't be surprised if he becomes the Steelers' No. 2 receiver.
Jermaine Burton, CIN — Burton is a great talent and would have been ranked higher in the draft if not for the “coachability” concerns. I think Andrei Iosivas is a good third choice, but Burton is a good top-two NFL prospect with great downfield potential. If Ja'Marr Chase or Tee Higgins are out, Burton could make an impression… if he has the brains to get in the NFL.
Jalen McMillan, TB — McMillan knows how to find space in the defense and exploit it. Without injuries last season, McMillan would not have been overlooked and would likely have been Washington's No. 2 receiver over Polk. McMillan knows where to go, as does a receiver like Tyler Lockett. As with the other receivers, McMillan could be worth WR4 or better if either Mike Evans or Chris Godwin get injured.
Greg Dortch, Arizona — It's surprising to see Dortch rated so low, considering he's so beloved by the fantasy community. Talent-wise, I think Michael Wilson has the edge, but not by a huge margin. Kyler Murray speaks highly of Dortch and their rapport. When a quarterback likes a player, he can't be ignored. Dortch will have a tough road behind Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride in the backfield, but as Murray's No. 2 wide receiver, he's worth a shot.
Tight End
Jonnu Smith, MIA — Speaking of looking for a step-up player for your team, I'm all for leaving Miami rookie Malik Washington stashed away deep in the league. But if you're looking for a tight end with breakout potential, Smith is on the list. Smith has some of the better big-play ability among tight ends, and while he's not a high value third-string pass-catching player (fourth if you include the backfield), Tua Tagovailoa led the league in passing yards and Smith was TE17 in FPPG while sharing the back-half of the position with Kyle Pitts in Atlanta.
Ben Synnott, WAS — The team was spoiled at tight end last year, but this year there are one or two rookies to watch. After Brock Bowers, Synnott is the one to watch. The Commanders have a ton of wide receivers competing for the No. 2 and No. 3 spots, but Zach Ertz is past his prime. Synnott has great handles and speed, and could be the Commanders' version of Jake Ferguson.
(Top photo of Jermaine Burton by Jason Mowry/Getty Images)
